A1 Journal article (refereed)
‘Can I tell?’ : Children’s participation and positioning in a secretive atmosphere in family therapy (2021)


Helimäki, M., Laitila, A., & Kumpulainen, K. (2021). ‘Can I tell?’ : Children’s participation and positioning in a secretive atmosphere in family therapy. Journal of Family Therapy, 43(1), 96-123. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12296


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsHelimäki, Mira; Laitila, Aarno; Kumpulainen, Kirsti

Journal or seriesJournal of Family Therapy

ISSN0163-4445

eISSN1467-6427

Publication year2021

Volume43

Issue number1

Pages range96-123

PublisherWiley-Blackwell

Publication countryUnited Kingdom

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12296

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessPartially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/69004


Abstract

As a multifaceted phenomenon, family secrets affect interaction in the therapeutic system. This qualitative study, applying the multi‐actor Dialogical Methods for Investigations of Happening of Change, explored how children participated and positioned themselves in family therapy in a climate of family secrets. The results showed that the children were active co‐participants in the complex dynamics of a secretive atmosphere, involving themselves in the paradoxical processes of reconstructing and deconstructing the secretive and unsafe climate. In family therapy, a child’s symptomatic behaviour can function as a visible ‘cover story’ for invisible constructions of secrets, preventing sensitive topics from becoming the focus of therapy. Family secrets therefore continue to present a challenge in family therapy practice and research.


Keywordsfamily therapychildren (family members)family relationssecretsinteraction

Free keywordschildren’s positioning; family secret; family therapy; systemic interaction


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

Reporting Year2021

JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2024-10-03 at 19:57